It's time to: February

Plan

Plan a sensational spring bulb display with the help of a mail order catalogue, and prepare the soil for planting by digging in some compost and fertiliser
such as Dynamic Lifter.

Try purple carrots this year, which have 28 times more antioxidants than regular orange carrots. Purple Dragon is the most popular heirloom variety, available
from www.diggers.com.au, or www.greenharvest.com.au. Sow seed
thinly into a narrow trench and cover with fine soil and firm down gently. Water with a fine spray. Seedlings will appear in 15-20 days. Thin as necessary.

Find the perfect spot for a birdbath to help attract interesting birds to the garden. Birdbaths should be placed in the open, with an overhanging branch
nearby so the birds can ‘check out the scene’ before heading safely for the water. Keep water clean, and topped up.

Tidy

Tidy up houseplants – remove spent flowers and dead, diseased or dying leaves, and wipe dust off large, shiny leaves. Water pots with some Eco-hydrate
or Wettasoil to prevent dry patches in the potting mix, or dunk small containers into a bucket of water until the bubbling stops. A spell outside in
the rain will help reinvigorate them too, but don’t leave them in the sun when the rain stops.

Trim

Trim the roses – remove dead flowers, cutting back to a bud. Give them a feed (Sudden Impact for Roses is a good choice), and stand back for the autumn
show!

Feed

Give citrus trees a boost with a dressing of citrus food, such as Dynamic Lifter for Citrus.

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Ask us

What is the best time and method to propagate daphne?

Any time from spring to autumn is suitable for taking daphne cuttings. Take a cutting of approximately 10cm length, including a node (a swollen section of stem where leaves, stems, roots originate). Dip this into rooting hormone gel or powder and place into propagation mix deep enough so that it stands by itself. A plastic cover over the pot will help retain humidity. Place in a protected position out of direct sunlight. Keep moist and expect roots in a couple of months.

I planted potatoes in layers of manure and straw in early July and would like to know when they will be ready to harvest.

You should be ready to harvest your first batch in February. Simply use your hands to feel through the light mix you have used and pull up as many potatoes as you need for dinner. You can keep on harvesting as you need the potatoes until you run out, or until the start of next winter.